Rochester, New York. April 29th. 1030 hours.Derek again checked the gauges and buttons that adorned the control panel within the cabin. This was no ordinary task for him; it was a well-practiced routine. The imminent arrival of Train Eleven weighed heavily on his mind as he scanned the glass doors ahead. Like worker bees, the passengers hurriedly filed in, their faces devoid of emotion, as if controlled by some unseen force, their sole purpose being to reach their desired destinations with unwavering punctuality.A faint, high-pitched squeal pierced through the confines of the cabin, confirming the radio's activation. He deftly picked up the receiver from its specially designed cradle on the control panel, handling it with a sense of purpose and determination.It was Jacks typically low nasal voice: 'Base to Eleven. Over.''Eleven to Base. Good morning, Jack. ' Derek emitted with a smile. 'Base to Eleven. You never try sounding formal.'Derek chuckled: 'Eleven to Base. You should
The Amazon, Brazil.0945 hours.15th June 2020.His epic journey through the depths of the Amazon Basin following the whispers and legends that spoke of the hallowed grounds known as Chula, proved to be a grueling quest. It demanded every ounce of strength and determination as he forged his way through treacherous pathways, strewn with jagged rocks and tangled thickets. With unwavering resolve, he pressed onward, driven by an insatiable desire to lay eyes upon this enchanting sanctuary.He had set off on his own, left abandoned by the indigenous companions who feared the wrath of the revered Chula deity if they dared accompany an unworthy soul like his.Armed with the knowledge bestowed upon him by the locals, he had diligently followed the sacred path to the hidden shrine as well as a meticulously drawn map, a precious gift from his esteemed archaeologist friend, Dr. John Bismarck. The enigmatic fate that befell the good doctor after his expedition to Chula which was shrouded in mys
London, United Kingdom2147 hours.5th February 2001Thelma MacDonaugh gently lowered on an iron straight-backed chair at the outdoor bar of the Mews observing the crowded streets enveloped by the apparent zest of excitement which characterized the London metropolis.A stewardess carrying a tray walked slowly through a group of occupied tables in a cramped area. The space used to be Chloe's apartment, one of the cozy living spaces within the Mews which she transformed into a bar.The plain-looking stewardess halted at her table, after cautiously placing the bulbous glass of dry martini and a small chinaware bearing a cheese pattie, she gingerly made her way to the internal recess of the bar reserved exclusively for smokers.Thelma had known Chloe for almost a decade now, since their encounter at Cambridge University. Her managerial astuteness was not in doubt as she had grown the business to an enviable status despite the fluctuating British economy. However cordial their relationshi
Kabul, Afghanistan 1601 hours12th April 2012.The Muezzin's voice emanated from the towering minaret of Kabul's Central Mosque located some five kilometers away from the cobbled highway where six Humvees rapidly hurdled their way through the deserted, war-torn city. The call to prayer woke him from his reverie They had been patrolling through the suburbs of the city and up till now, the potential of likely skirmishes was nonexistent.He clicked the radio to life and emitted, a sense of exertion evident in his jarring voice: 'Scorpio, how are the boys back there?'Scorpio was the moniker for Private Rogers Thompson, his sidekick who was manning the third Humvee within the convoy. His reply was hasty: 'We're all good. Can't wait till we get to the base and while out, Captain.'The mirthful remark of the boys was evident from the background.Rogers was quick to toss a quip into the conversation: 'soon Is never a term for a group, more for goons.' He bellowed out in laughter despite
Kabul, Afghanistan 1712 hours.12th April.The Humvee at the rear was in the line of fire. The salvo of lethal slugs from the two drones flying parallel to each other was too heavy for the vehicle to contain. Its tough steel exterior was critically damaged till it lost its resistance to the horrendous blitz of hot lead. The Humvee exploded, exuding a ball of fire that engulfed the vehicle.Crowne whimpered at the sight. Smith paused for a second, lowering the M134 by the sheer impact of the ballistic.Shards of burning metal and flesh splayed in the air.Crowne recognized the game plan was simple for these birds - pick each one of them out like flies floating in a cup of tea.Crowne yelled at Smith menacingly:'Fire!'The petrified officer swiveled the weapon in the direction of the drones that drifted through the ensuing inferno and were charging relentlessly at them. He pulled the trigger, slugs pillorying the arid air and heading for the drones. The UAVs exhibited an evasive act
CHAPTER FOURKabul, Afghanistan.1301 hours.April 17th.Director MI-6, Bullard 'Brain' Harris, expressed an indifferent countenance as soon as the helicopter gracefully took flight from the massive HMS battleship, its powerful rotors slicing through the air with an unmistakable hum. As it ascended, the aircraft seemed to defy gravity, rising higher and higher into the boundless expanse of the sky. The sun's golden rays bathed the sleek fuselage, accentuating its aerodynamic curves.The pilot, a young RAF officer, Richard Maple, skillfully manipulated the controls, effortlessly maneuvering the chopper through the invisible currents of the atmosphere. The sound of the rotors reverberated, echoing through the surrounding landscape as if announcing the helicopter's dominion over the sky.From its elevated vantage point, the world below unfolded like an intricate tapestry. The sprawling landscape appeared miniature, long stripes reduced to mere lines, and buildings to mere
Kabul, Afghanistan.1505 hours.April 17th.The eight Humvees, rugged and imposing, navigated their way along the sandy road within the confines of the secure military base. The vehicle'srobust tires gripped the loose sand, leaving several deep tracks in their wake.A cloud of fine sand billowed behind the powerful Humvees, swirling and dancing in their slipstream.The interior was filled with the distinct hum of the engine and the occasional creak of the suspension, Bullard took quick glimpses of the surrounding landscape, dotted with other military vehicles and structures which amplified the sense of purpose and controlled chaos. Amidst the vastness of the military base, the Humvees moved with an unwavering resolve despite the challenging Afghan terrain.After ten minutes, the eight Humvees shrouded by a visible envelope of dust came to a slouching halt before a modestly constructed bungalow.The men disembarked from the vehicles, led by the General as they all trooped into the buil
Dallas, Texas.134 hours.April 17th 'Dad...' a mellifluent voice emitted through the dark space.'Dad...'The calls were consistent and he could feel his senses responding to the familiar tone.'Dad....'His consciousness streamed back to reality. Two faces were conspicuously evident, staring right at his horizontal position. A mixed sense of despair and relief was visible in them. He could see the tears welling down their eyes.'Dad...' the younger of the duo, a teen, expressed a dainty smile as she wiped her tear-filled face.The teenage girl's face exuded a youthful charm and radiant beauty. Delicate freckles danced across her button nose, adding a touch of playfulness to her features. Expressive almond-shaped eyes, framed by long lashes, shimmered with a mixture of curiosity and passion. They glimmered with an inner light, reflecting her vibrant spirit. The captivating smile that graced her lips, revealed a perfect set of pearly white teeth, and dimples - that was his daughter
Rochester, New York. April 29th. 1030 hours.Derek again checked the gauges and buttons that adorned the control panel within the cabin. This was no ordinary task for him; it was a well-practiced routine. The imminent arrival of Train Eleven weighed heavily on his mind as he scanned the glass doors ahead. Like worker bees, the passengers hurriedly filed in, their faces devoid of emotion, as if controlled by some unseen force, their sole purpose being to reach their desired destinations with unwavering punctuality.A faint, high-pitched squeal pierced through the confines of the cabin, confirming the radio's activation. He deftly picked up the receiver from its specially designed cradle on the control panel, handling it with a sense of purpose and determination.It was Jacks typically low nasal voice: 'Base to Eleven. Over.''Eleven to Base. Good morning, Jack. ' Derek emitted with a smile. 'Base to Eleven. You never try sounding formal.'Derek chuckled: 'Eleven to Base. You should
Everett, Washington D. C. 0915 hours29th AprilAs the sleek black vehicle came to a halt, Agent Thomas could not shake off the ominous feeling that Tony and himself were slowly descending into an enigmatic labyrinth. Each new piece of information they unearthed seemed to lure them further into a web of mystery, a realm porch where their understanding reached an unsettling abyss.As they stepped out from their vehicle, their eyes were instantly drawn to the , partially cloaked in the sturdy shelter of the overhanging structure of the unassuming safe house. Crowne and his lovely spouse, Clara lounged with ease, indulging in relaxed conversation.An unmistakable shift rippled across the couple's faces as they noticed the two guests. Before long, Agent S emerged from the shadows, his curiosity piqued by a mere glimpse of Thomas' vintage automobile. It was abundantly clear that something was not right. With a casual flick of his hat, Thomas greeted the gathering in a manner reminiscent o
Rochester, New York. April 29th. 0905 hours. Night's grip was unyielding, and even with Roxie's company, slumber remained elusive. That diminutive container occupied his every thought. Solo's directive echoed in his mind, urging him to transport it to the long-standing Rochester train terminal, where he had dutifully manned the controls for half a decade.He recalled Solo's instruction back at the bar: 'Get this on the controls to the electromagnetic tracks and let it do its thing. 'Solo's eyes glimmered with a deceitful glint as he cautiously departed the smoky tavern. This prompted him to contemplate upon the singular desire that fueled his existence. The dimly lit street stretched out before him, a labyrinth of possibilities and wicked allure. Yet, as he lingered at that moment, one thought dominated his mind-what lay ahead if he took this tiny vessel to the control room of the train terminal? The morning sun cast a vibrant glow upon the sprawling metropolis of Rochester, ill
Brasilia, Brazil. 0105 hours. 28th April. As she stepped out of the elevator, an unmistakable sense of scrutiny washed over her. Her unique allure, akin to a precious jewel hidden amidst ordinary stones, drew lingering gazes.She gracefully traversed a dimly lit passageway, bathed in the glow of colossal neon lights. The corridor led her to an ornate archway, granting a grand view of an expansive hall adorned with an array of tables and chairs. At one end, a glass-topped bar gleamed, while at the other, a raised platform hosted a sultry, buxom Latina vocalist, serenading the audience with a soulful blues melody. The plaintive notes of her song seamlessly intertwined with the delicate plinking of a piano, performed by a middle-aged man donned in the attire of an El Mariachi.As she gracefully descended the trio of regal steps leading into the captivating gathering area, she spared a fleeting moment to search the sea of faces fixated on her for any sign of Benicio.Her eyes finally
Everett, Washington. 2355 hours. 27th April. Navigating the maze of streets, their vehicle glided towards another healthcare facility, situated a mere two hundred meters from St. Catherine. Once again, Tony begrudgingly abandoned his comfortable haven and rendezvoused with Thomas at his hotel. As they finally reached their destination, the weary building slouched before them, guarded by a battalion of policemen. The boulevard, awash with a kaleidoscope of neon lights, lent an air of vibrancy to the scene.Atop the vast terrace, the Deputy stood, his countenance reflecting the same weariness that plagued the two Agents.'Hello Agents, nice to see you again. 'Thomas expressed a wry grimace while Tomy expressed a stoic countenance. Thomas replied: 'I was surprised that we had to come back here again. Never knew there could be a break in this case this fast.''We had evacuated the unconscious bodies initially to the ambulance before they were examined. It was an oversight I guess
Brasilia, Brazil1006 hours27th April. As Thelma stepped off the aircraft, her mind became consumed with anticipation for what lay in store. Countless queries began to swirl in her thoughts, leaving her yearning for genuine understanding.Surrounded by a lively crowd adorned in vibrant hues, she hastened towards the airport terminal, her presence seamlessly blending in with the joyful atmosphere.The terminal teemed with a bustling crowd, every nook and cranny brimming to capacity with eager passengers.Unfamiliar with the sights and sounds of Brazil, Thelma embarked on her inaugural journey to the country, captivated by the palpable energy that infused every inch of the land. Determined to grasp the essence of this remarkable place, she made a concerted effort to immerse herself in its vibrant pulse.After navigating her way through the labyrinth of airport officials, Thelma's spirit, unfortunately, wilted under the weight of the incessant back-and-forth that seemed to characterize
Everett, Washington D. C. 2205 hours. 27th April. Thomas Lang drained the last remnants of his glass, weighing the idea of retiring to the solace of his hotel room. The ambiance of the dimly lit bar barely masked the fatigue swirling within him. Just as he was about to make his move, his device stirred, its insistent buzz demanding his attention. Curiosity piqued, he promptly engaged the line, allowing his voice to resonate through the air with a measured intensity: 'Hello. 'It was Carles'There's been another gruesome murder at St Catherine's Hospital. 'Thomas was flustered: 'What? ''Where's Agent Tony? ''The hotel, I guess, ' Thomas was reaching for a cigarette. 'Get him and hop down there, there's a killer on the prowl. ' Carles said, an extreme show of concern evident in his voice. Thomas lit the cigarette and responded between exhaled fumes: 'Okay boss. 'With a swift motion, Carles terminated the connection on his end, severing the virtual thread that had bound him
Everett, Washington D. C. 0912 hours27th April. The sleek sedan screeched to an abrupt halt amidst the clamor of the bustling concourse, its tires leaving skid marks on the worn asphalt. Thomas Lang emerged from the vehicle, his steely gaze sweeping over the chaotic scene sprawled before him. Meanwhile, his partner, Tony Brady disembarked and stood outside the car, grappling with the weight of the Director's instructions. Coolly, Thomas extracted a cigarette from the confines of his tailored suit, retrieving a lighter from his trouser pocket with a swift, practiced motion. A quick flick of his thumb ignited the flame, casting an ethereal glow upon the smoldering tip of the cigarette. Inhalation followed, wisps of smoke curling into the air as he contemplated his next move - a decision to peruse the murder scene and possibly come up with an appraisal of how the crime took place.The constabulary had commendably managed to enclose the vicinity, shielding it from the persistent mob
Everett, Washington D. C. 0916 hours27th April. Startled from his peaceful slumber, he was roused by the hushed symphony of voices drifting through the air. A gossamer beam of light pierced through the fortified window, casting a delicate glow upon the room. Turning his gaze to his side, he beheld Clara, nestled against his chest, blissfully lost in the depths of sleep. The dawn had arrived, offering a respite from the chaotic events that had unfolded the previous day. Finding solace in this tranquil respite, he cherished the serene moments they shared. But as the morning unfolded its delicate tapestry, a surge of curiosity tugged at him, beckoning him to explore the source of the sounds that reverberated from the living room. The enticing thrill of possibilities sparked within him, urging him to venture forth from the comfort of the plush bed.Even within the confines of a secure safe house, he could not surrender his safety entirely to a so-called safe house or the presence of